Report: Zobrist, Desmond were part of failed Mets-Rays-Nationals trade
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(9:41 am ET) A three-team trade involving the Mets, Nationals and Rays, which included players Ian Desmond and Ben Zobrist, had been discussed recently, but fell through after the Mets balked at the Rays asking price, sources told FOX Sports reporter Ken Rosenthal. 

The talks unfolded with the Nationals trading Desmond to the Rays for Zobrist and Yunel Escobar, who were eventually traded to the Athletics on Saturday. The Rays would have then dealt Desmond to the Mets, who are looking for an upgrade at shortstop.

Unfortunately, the Mets chose not to pursue the deal after the Rays requested two top prospects from a list of three, which New York considered too much for Desmond, who will be a free agent after the 2015 season. The Rays’ list included Mets top pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard. It is not known who the other two targets were.

The Mets were also engaged with the Rays in a trade for Zobrist, but once again the Rays wanted two top prospects and the Mets did not want to make that deal. Zobrist will also be a free agent after the 2015 season.

Report: Dan Haren plans to report to spring training with Marlins
by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(12:00 am ET) Marlins pitcher Dan Haren, who had expressed a strong preference to remain with a West Coast team, has decided to report to spring training with the club, reports Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal. The Marlins acquired Haren from the Dodgers last month.

Following the trade, Haren mentioned the possibility of retiring if he could not stay on the West Coast, and the Marlins explored potential trade scenarios. Now it appears Haren will join Miami’s rotation after going 13-11 with a 4.02 ERA last season.

A.J. Burnett says he’ll retire after 2015 season
by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(1/11/2015) Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett, 38, said the 2015 season will be his last, reports the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Burnett is coming off a disastrous season with the Phillies in which he led the majors in losses (18), walks (98) and earned runs (109).

Per the paper, he’s hoping to recapture the form he showed in Pittsburgh when he revitalized his career in 2012-13. In 2013, Burnett led NL starting pitchers in strikeout and groundball rates.

Former Red Sox pitcher Daniel Bard hopes to make comeback
by Sean d’Oliveira | CBSSports.com

(1/11/2015) After not playing in 2014 because of performance issues, former Red Sox pitcher Daniel Bard believes he’s solved the issues which caused his career to decline, reports The Boston Globe.

“I feel now as good as I’ve felt since before 2012, maybe before 2011,” Bard said. “I’m throwing as well as I have since then. I haven’t seen a radar gun, so I don’t know if I’m back to what I was, but just the way it’s coming out of my hand, I’m really encouraged by what I feel.”

Bard was a productive pitcher during the first three seasons of his career, but his career began to unravel in 2012 when he had control issues. Bard underwent thoracic outlet syndrome surgery in January 2014 to correct a shoulder issue, which he said was the main reason causing his performance to drop.

“The good thing is my arm is fresh. I’m not coming off a 75-appearance season,” he said. “I’m coming from very little stress on the shoulder, really. I should be fresh.”

Report: Marlins show interest in Andy Dirks, Will Venable
by Sean d’Oliveira | CBSSports.com

(1/11/2015) Looking to add a fourth outfielder, the Marlins have expressed interest in outfielders Andy Dirks and Will Venable, reports MLB.com.

The left-handed Dirks missed the 2014 season after suffering from hamstring and back issues. Venable hit .224 with eight home runs and 33 RBI over 406 at-bats in 2014.

Athletics sign outfielder Jason Pridie
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/10/2015) The Athletics have signed outfielder Jason Pridie to a minor-league deal, according to Baseball America.

Pridie was set to play in Korea, but the deal fell through. He spent most of last season in Triple-A. Pridie hit .278/.341/.433 over 418 at-bats. 

Yankees’ CC Sabathia says his knee feels ‘fine’
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/10/2015) Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia said his surgically-repaired knee feels “fine,” according to the New York Daily News.

Sabathia had season-ending knee surgery in July, but was throwing from flat ground in September. He’s progressed since then, and believes he’ll start throwing bullpens by the end of the month. Sabathia added that he doesn’t feel any pain heading into spring training. “I feel good, I don’t have any pain, no nothing,” Sabathia said. “My arm feels good.”

Sabathia posted a 5.28 ERA over 46 innings last year. 

Rays bring in Joey Butler on a minor-league deal
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/10/2015) The Rays have signed outfielder Joey Butler to a minor-league deal.

Butler spent last season in Japan. He hit just .231 in 21 games. Prior to his stint in the NPB, Butler spent time with the Cardinals. The 28-year-old performed well in the minors, putting up a career .304/.397/.472 slash line at Triple-A. 

Rays sign Juan Francisco to a minor-league deal
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/10/2015) The Rays have signed infielder Juan Francisco to a minor-league deal.

Francisco was claimed by Boston earlier in the offseason, but was designated for assignment and hit the free-agent market in December. Francisco hit .220/.291/.456 over 287 at-bats with the Blue Jays last season. He’s always shown solid power, but it comes at the expense of a lot of strikeouts and a poor on-base percentage. 

Tigers pitcher Drew VerHagen’s back feels 100 percent
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/10/2015) Tigers pitcher Drew VerHagen said his back feels fully healed, according to the Detroit Free Press. 

VerHagen missed most of the second half due to a back injury. He pitched one game in the majors, giving up three runs in five innings.